Market Intelligence: -General Aviation

Textron eAviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, announced it is donating a Pipistrel Velis Electro – the world’s first type certified electric powered aircraft – to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) auction at The Gathering during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. The donation will support all of EAA’s charitable programs, including its efforts to engage young people in the world of aviation.

The Pipistrel Velis Electro, designed and manufactured by Pipistrel, a Textron Inc. company, is set to take top billing at the auction, which will feature around 20 items and is raising funds for causes including the EAA’s Young Eagles program, which has offered free airplane rides to those aged 8-17 since 1992.

Rob Scholl, president and CEO, Textron eAviation, says: “We’re proud to support EAA and the Young Eagles program, which has provided young people around the world with their first exposure to aviation for more than 30 years. We know that exciting new technologies and aircraft, like the Pipistrel Velis Electro, can attract the next generation to our industry and we are committed to playing our part. Through this collaboration, we also lend our support to the EAA’s efforts to lead the way in advocating on behalf of experimental and light sport aircraft, both in the US and globally.”

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the world’s largest fly-in convention, with this year’s event taking place 24-30 July. It welcomes more than 10,000 aircraft and 600,000 attendees annually, showcasing the latest innovations and aircraft from around the world.

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro – which is type-certified by EASA and currently under an experimental licence in the US – will be on static display during EAA AirVenture, at booth 393, taking part in the flight display from 3pm each day, as well as at the gala itself.

Prospective auctionees will be able to bid live at the event or arrange proxy bidding with EAA Aviation Foundation beforehand for the Velis Electro, which produces zero emissions during operation and is ultra-quiet both on the inside and outside, with noise levels of only 60dBa. The winner of the auction will be announced during The Gathering on Thursday, July 27th.

About Textron eAviation

Headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, Textron eAviation is focused on sustainable flying, backed by Textron’s 100 years of expertise and the restless spirit for innovation that is embodied in Textron’s Pipistrel, Cessna, Beechcraft and Bell brands.

Taking the lead in Textron’s development of sustainably powered flight, Textron eAviation is leveraging the industry-leading product design, certification, manufacturing, and aftermarket solutions from across Textron’s businesses coupled with the newly acquired expertise of Pipistrel.

About Pipistrel

In 2020, Pipistrel’s Velis Electro became the world’s first, and currently only, electric aircraft to receive full type-certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This achievement followed a series of electric aircraft introductions since the company began research and development of electric propulsion in 2000.  Pipistrel’s pioneering work has been recognized through awards from NASA, IDC, and other organizations. The company, which offers a family of gliders and light aircraft with both electric and combustion engines, has delivered more than 2,500 light aircraft worldwide since its founding in 1989 and additionally has both hybrid and electric propulsion models under development.

About Textron Inc.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Arctic Cat, and Textron Systems.

Source: Textron Press Release
Photo Credit: Textron